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Arun Ghosh

Northern Namaste

Camoci Records CAMOCI001

When he played at the Vortex recently, clarinettist Arun Ghosh (whose press release describes him as ‘conceived in Calcutta, bred in Bolton, matured in Manchester and now living in London’) was as impressive for the breezy assurance characterising his stage manner as for the power and originality of his music, and the same qualities make this, his debut recording, something rather special.

The opener, ‘Aurora’ (shortly to feature on a Gilles Peterson compilation, Brownswood Bubblers Three), immediately sets out his stall: it’s inspired by a morning raag and is appropriately uplifting, Ghosh’s piping, sinuous and sensual clarinet weaving in and out of the rhythm section’s hypnotic beat, but much of the rest of the album provides pleasing contrasts, covering an impressive range of emotional territory, from what Dr Das’s witty and informative notes call ‘a funky funeral march for the death of cliché’ (‘Longsight Lagoon’) to a beautifully plaintive lament (‘Where Shall I Live Now?’).

Featuring Ghosh himself doubling on evocative piano (melancholic and echo-ey), and a great band including Idris Rahman (tenor), Aref Durvesh (percussion) and Liran Donin (bass), plus drum duties divided between Dave Walsh and Myke Wilson (and assorted guests including vibes player and Vortex regular Corey Mwamba), this is a vibrant and imaginative recording.